Suspect accused of cutting off man’s thumb with machete appears in court

The alleged assailant in a machete attack last week in Fairfield that left a 74-year-old man with life-threatening injuries as well as the loss of a thumb made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday in Solano County Superior Court.

Brandon C. Foster, 44, of Woodland, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, cruelty to an elder with risk of great bodily injury and mayhem. If convicted, Foster faces a sentence of life in prison. His bail was set at $1 million.

The incident reportedly occurred Friday after Foster was messing with the victim’s breaker box and trying to turn off the power to the residence, according to authorities.

Unprovoked, Foster allegedly attacked the man with a machete.

Solano County Deputies responded to the area of Abernathy and Rockville roads shortly before 10 a.m. after receiving a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. Foster allegedly fled the scene following the machete attack.

First responders found the man suffering from major lacerations over his entire body. The victim and witnesses then gave authorities a description of the defendant. Around 10:30 a.m., deputies located Foster with the weapon hiding in a nearby orchard.

During a surgery for his wounds, the victim’s thumb was amputated after doctors determined they were unable to repair the digit.

Foster will be back in court Jan. 31 for a readiness conference.

His preliminary hearing is slated for Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. in Department 4.